Original Message:
Sent: Thu June 15, 2023 05:27 PM
From: Scott McFall
Subject: Introduce yourself!
Yes, turns thirty next year. I bought it in 2008 with only 45K miles and now still only 77K. I had considered classic plates since you don't have to get State inspection each year and insurance is lower but I have a vanity plate "PROTECH" on the back.
I am selling my '94 on Friday (to a training customer no less) because I actually picked up one of those "attractive hard-top coupes". Found a pristine 2011 328 convertible from Florida also with only 77Kmi.
I reached out thru your website, let's chat on the phone sometime next week if you have time.
All the best,
Scott
Original Message:
Sent: 6/15/2023 2:38:00 PM
From: William Hershkowitz
Subject: RE: Introduce yourself!
Hi Scott thanks for your response! It took me a few minutes but I got your license plate :-)
BMWs are fine driving machines. I like the convertibles, and in the 1990s (I think) there wasvan attractive hardtop coupe as well. But it shows my age when I'm thinking that a 1994 car is relatively "new" but in reality it's 30 years old! I guess that makes your car an official classic!
I'm looking forward to being part of the Educator Hub team and contributing to promote the Mainframe as a vital part of our IT infrastructure!
Best Wishes...Bill
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William Hershkowitz
Original Message:
Sent: Thu June 15, 2023 12:26 PM
From: Scott McFall
Subject: Introduce yourself!
Sorry I didn't make the ECC conference, sounds like it was a great time!
Bill, I could have brought my 1994 BMW! (note the front license plate) ��
Original Message:
Sent: 6/15/2023 12:33:00 AM
From: William Hershkowitz
Subject: RE: Introduce yourself!
Hi Paul, thank you for those kind words! I thoroughly enjoyed our experience at this year's ECC! I was able to use my ".edu" email address to become my "IBM ID" and I have access to the Educator Hub, as well as some of the other resources.
I have developed my own teaching materials for z/OS essentials, COBOL programming, and DB2. I'm currently developing a new unit for teaching CICS, including BMS development and CICS command-level programming with COBOL. I find that my materials (including a Jeopardy game for review of the material!) were extremely effective in getting students up to speed with both the programming environment of z/OS (the OS itself, JCL, ISPF, TSO, etc), the actual programming language (COBOL, SQL, BMS with Macro Assembler), as well as getting the students comfortable and enthusiastic with what I call "IBM z/OS culture," where we learn the history of computer systems, the history of IBM's mainframe platforms and their operating systems, as well as the concepts IBMers are familiar with, such as DASD; PDS, PS, and VSAM data sets; volume serials; how RACF provides secure access to system resources, and the 3270 display protocol. I believe this path helps the student at a job interview where the interviewing manager would be impressed with the student's comfort in the z/OS world as well as their technical prowess. I use illustrations with humor, interesting animated graphics, and easy to read technical details for each topic, using PowerPoint as the engine for class presentations.
I am happy to share my materials with you if you'd like to see what my students have learned and accomplished during their 6 month intensive training experience.
As we discussed at ECC, I am committed to assist my present and past students in getting their careers started in the Mainframe field, and I am hoping that with your experience and committment to this goal worldwide, you can assist them in finding a rewarding career as Mainframers! I look forward to working with you and I am certainly interested in participating and giving to others. I would be most happy to mentor students and newbie z/OS programmers (for lack of a better term), as well as assist you in any way I can with your exciting new project!
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William Hershkowitz
Original Message:
Sent: Wed June 14, 2023 08:39 PM
From: Paul Newton
Subject: Introduce yourself!
Bill,
I enjoyed our conversations at Marist ECC. Thank you for joining and introducing yourself to the others.
FYI - the classic Corvair - I was walking with a group leaving the Sunday reception with a group. We all noticed your car driving by and many comments ensued about the classic Corvair rarely being seen. We all were admiring your car. Nice ride.
Well, I know you getting registered was giving you some difficulty. Did you need to rely upon instruction document from Shelly?
Paul Newton
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Paul Newton
Consulting IT Specialist
IBM
Coppell TX
Original Message:
Sent: Tue June 13, 2023 03:53 PM
From: William Hershkowitz
Subject: Introduce yourself!
B"H
Hi all! I'm Bill Hershkowitz and although I am currently retired, I have had a wonderful career in various roles in different companies in the NYC area, most of which were on IBM Mainframe systems, including what is now z/OS, as well as z/VM and VM Linux. After my retirement I began teaching z/OS fundamentals and application programming, focusing on COBOL and DB2. I am currently exploring job opportunities for my students who have completed my training program, or are currently enrolled. I taught Advanced Mainframe COCOL Programming at Touro College, and I started the Big Iron Learning Institute in 2019. As I understand things as they are today, it is possible for a student with basic mainframe skills, to obtain a position in a z/OS mainframe environment on a remote basis. Most of my students live in the NYC area, and are not interested in relocating, so remote programming opens up the world for them.
I was Manager of z/OS Network Systems for the City of New York Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (NYC DoITT) from 2004 through 2016. During that time, I led the Communications group in our effort to convert our 10,000 SNA users to TCP/IP on the mainframe using Web/TN3270 access. Before this, I was a z/OS Systems programmer, supporting systems and network development and maintenance, from 1984 through 1997. In between, I managed the Network Design group for NYC DoITT. Our team designed and implemented a Citywide Cisco-powered TCP/IP based backbone, as well the City's Internet security and network infrastructure.
I am currently a grandfather to a gaggle of cute grandkids, and have a passion for classic cars. I currently own and drive a 1966 Chevrolet Corvair, the only American production car that had an aluminum engine in the rear!
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William Hershkowitz
Original Message:
Sent: Tue February 09, 2021 01:45 PM
From: Theresa Hans
Subject: Introduce yourself!
Welcome to the Educator Hub! Please take a moment to introduce yourself in this forum.
- Where are you located?
- What classes do you teach?
- What help are you trying to find here in the Hub!?
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Theresa
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